1

Summer 2001Issue 17

Breast CancerNetwork Australia

newsletter

INSIDE...STATE ROUND-UP 2

HAIR-RAZING EFFORTS 4

FIELD OF WOMEN 6-11

MY JOURNEY 12

DRAGON BOAT NEWS 13

YOUNG WOMEN’S FORUM 14

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 15

UPCOMING EVENTS 16

In October, the then FederalMinister for Health, Dr MichaelWooldridge, announced that

Herceptin would become available forwomen with advanced breast cancer.

This announcement was greeted withdelight and relief by women and theirfamilies all around Australia.

It was the result of months of hardwork on the part of our Network, andshows what team work can achieve!

We knew Herceptin could be effec-tive for some women (see article onpage 11) but, at a $1000 a week, fewwomen could afford to pay themselves.

Some women had considered sellingtheir homes; one woman sold her farmto pay for the drug. For women withyoung children, the chance of longersurvival times was even more vital.

A proposal to put Herceptin on thePharmaceutical Benefits Scheme wasrejected three times due to the cost.

We swung into action!This really was a combined effort.

Several member groups decided tosupport the Network’s policy thatHerceptin be made available to allwomen who needed it – not just thosewho could afford to pay.

Breast Cancer Action Groupdevoted a newsletter to this campaign,urging its women to write and e-mailtheir Members of Parliament.

BCAG NSW organised for women tobe interviewed on national televisionto highlight their plight.

Women in WA mounted a campaign,while NT Breast Cancer Voiceorganised a meeting with SenatorGrant Tambling, ParliamentarySecretary for Health, to argue the case.

I spoke to the Prime Minister, John

Howard, about Herceptin at RaeleneBoyle’s birthday party in June (nevermiss an opportunity!) and he hadfollowed that up by organisingmeetings between the Network andrelevant Ministers and Advisors,including with Dr Wooldridge.

Oncologists around Australia alsojoined with us, urging for women tohave access to this drug.

Individual Network members ranletter-writing campaigns.

Jan Skoritch encouraged Canberrawomen to contact their politicians tosee what could be done.

Jill Suppree, a young Melbournewoman with advanced disease, sentletters to every MP, many accompaniedby drawings from her two young sons.

Other influential women went out oftheir way, and their comfort zones, tolend their active support and speak up.

E-mails and letters flew thick andfast. One MP told us he’d receivedmore than 3000 letters!

You can imagine the excitementwhen it was finally announced thatHerceptin would be available free ofcharge for our precious women.

It shows the power of a combinednational voice and the need to be inthere for the long haul.

The Network is delighted to havebeen able to play such an active role inthis campaign. We wish to acknowl-edge the contribution of all those whotook action – member groups,individuals, politicians, clinicians.

In the end, the winners are thosewomen who need Herceptin and willnow be able to get it.

– Lyn Swinburne,National Co-ordinator

Herceptin for women withadvanced breast cancer

We at Breast CancerNetwork Australia send allour members and supporters

best wishes for the festiveseason, and a wondrous,healthy year to follow.

Jill Suppree has become the ‘face’ of ourHerceptin campaign. Her letters to politiciansoften contained drawings by her two sons.

2

TASMANIA

State Round-up

THE ACT

NEW SOUTH WALES

QUEENSLAND

Several Network members wereinvited to attend the stakeholder

seminar on the Strengthening SupportProject being run by Siobhan Harper onbehalf of the Commonwealth HealthDepartment.

Siobhan delivered her first report andinvited those present to nominate for theproject reference group that will form thenext phase of her three-year project.

Three of our members, MargaretTassell, Beth Batchelor and GerryRockliff, continue to work hard on theirworking group projects. We congratulateand thank them for their terrific efforts!

Australia’s Breast Cancer Day functionswere held in Hobart, Launceston andDevonport. Deidre Moses reports thatthe mini Field of Women at the RoyalHobart Hospital, went extremely well.

Planning has already commenced forthe major Field of Women, which will beheld in Hobart in 2003. Anyoneinterested in joining the committee,should phone me as soon as possible.

Launceston members, Pauline Watsonand Beth Batchelor, attended theCapacity Building Workshop inLaunceston during November.

This workshop, run by theCommonwealth Office for theStatus of Women, offers nationalnon-government women’s organisationstraining about seeking change in policyor practice.

Contact: Joan Williams (03) 6421 7700or joan.williams@dchs.tas.gov.au

ACT members, enthused andencouraged by Jan Skorich, were

active in supporting the Herceptincampaign, the outcome of which we allapplaud.

This is a fantastic example of the powerof the Network – when women aroundAustralia combine in a campaign thatmakes a difference.

Members were delighted to meet JillSuppree (the face of Herceptin) fromVictoria at the Bosom Buddies fashionevent in October.

Norma Bradley and her team are to becongratulated on a most successful

A busy time for all in NSW!Breast Cancer Action Group

NSW and other NSW BCNA memberscontributed to the outstanding success ofthe Herceptin campaign by writingletters and making the most of speakingand media opportunities. Everyone isthrilled with the outcome.

Eight Mini Fields of Women were heldacross the State, with great success andgood representation from local politi-cians and celebrities.

Decorated Bakers Delight storesthroughout NSW added to communityawareness of the effects of breast cancer.

Congratulations must go to RosannaMartinello and her team for their workin presenting the Young Women andBreast Cancer Moving Forward Forum atDarling Harbour on October 21.

Thanks also to the Network for itsfinancial sponsorship of this importantinitiative.

Eight hundred people attended theNational Breast Cancer Centre’s

Federation presentation of this year’sFashion Extravaganza.

Norma claims this is her last year andthanks are due to her for the past threeyears in raising awareness in thecommunity of the positive side of adiagnosis of breast cancer.

We are delighted to report that CalvaryHospital will be officially opening aLymphoedema Clinic in February 2002.The doors open at the end of Novemberfor a much-needed service in Canberra.

Two of our members have been on thesteering committee and we congratulatethe management and physiotherapists atCalvary and vascular surgeon, Dr DavidHardman, in bringing this long-awaitedclinic to Canberra.

Elspeth Humphries, Anna WellingsBooth and Leona Furstenberg presentedthe women’s perspective to the BabyDocsprogram at The Canberra Hospitalrecently.

Leona spoke passionately about issuesfor young women with breast cancer,including sexuality and fertility.Contact: Anna Wellings Booth(02) 6247 8470 or wbfamily@interact.net.au or Elspeth Humphries(02) 6239 6344.

Breakfast at the Westin Hotel, Sydney,on Australia’s Breast Cancer Day.

Dr Michael Wooldridge launched themuch-awaited Consumer Guidelinesbooklet for women with advanceddisease, while Network member, FairlieHoward, spoke of the importance ofsuch a resource for women withadvanced disease.

On October 20, the first Best BreastBreakfast was hosted by BCAG NSWand the NSW Breast Cancer Instituteat Old Government House inParramatta.

Another consumer advocacy trainingcourse in Sydney during October hasrecruited ‘new voices’. We wish SallyLynch and Tessa Mallos well as theyattend a conference in San Antonio inDecember.

From all the Network in NSW – bestwishes for Christmas and renewed energyfor our preparations for 2002.

Contact: Pam Bell (02) 9955 9313 orbellpc@bigpond.com

During Breast Cancer Week, theWesley Breast Clinic hosted a

gala fashion parade in Brisbane withbreast cancer survivors as models. Ahighlight was the appearance of Johnand Otto, men who have been diagnosedwith breast cancer.

BreastScreen Northside invited JanelleGamble and Leonie Young, togetherwith Liddy Clark, the member forClayfield, to speak at its mini Field ofWomen.

A special blessing by Tunbal song andlaw woman, Maroochy Baramban, and aprayer by the Reverend Peter Lockyer,set the scene for the day, which finishedwith a fabulous cake featuring the pinksilhouette.

Janelle Gamble was a guest speaker,along with the Premier’s wife, HeatherBeattie, at a luncheon during BreastCancer Week.

Joan Sheldon, the member forCaloundra, was so impressed by the Fieldof Women in Brisbane that she invited allfemale parliamentarians to meet withNetwork board member, Dr CherrellHirst, and Leonie Young to discussimportant issues relating to breast cancer.

3

NORTHERN TERRITORY

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

These reports are extracts of morecomprehensive quarterly reportswritten by our State representatives.

The complete reports can be foundon our web site, www.bcna.org.au

Our state representatives are alwayshappy to hear from our readers or topromote activities within the state.Just give them a call!

VICTORIAWESTERN AUSTRALIA

Like everywhere else, Octoberwas a busy month.

Thanks must go to the Admistrator’swife, Jeanette Anidomatis, who kindlyhosted a cocktail party in Alice Springsand a luncheon in Darwin. Both werewell attended and much enjoyed.

Australia’s Breast Cancer Day startedwith a breakfast at Rydges Plaza, whereour breast care nurse, Deb Amery, andlocal surgeon, Phil Carson, gave aTerritory perspective of breast cancer.

Lunchtime saw a ‘Breast Patrol’through the city mall and the rest of theday was spent manning information stallsin local shopping centres.

Over the past few months, we havemade contact with new and enthusiasticwomen, all of which bodes well for nextyear! Have a safe and undoubtedly hotChristmas.

Contact: Susan Tully (08) 8927 3327or tullynt@msn.com.au or MichelleHanton (08) 8941 8923 or hanton@ozemail.com.au

What great news! Herceptinis finally available for all! Just

goes to show the power (and persistence)of women. Well done to all of thoseconcerned.

Some of our dedicated members put alot of time and effort into organisingmini Fields of Women in 11 metropolitanPerth and five regional shopping centresin WA to coincide with Australia’sBreast Cancer Day (and the weekleading up to it).

A lot of positive interest was shown inthe displays. It all helps to raiseawareness in our community and, ofcourse, much-needed funds. About$5000 has been raised so far.Congratulations should go to all of thosewho organised the event and helped onthe day. Thank you.

Action on Breast Cancer (AoBC) hasapplied to become a member of theWestern Australian Council of SocialService.

Its assistance will include facilitativeworkshops highlighting such topics asinformation for board and committeemembers. The council also provides theopportunity to network with governmentand non-government organisations.

The AoBC is looking at a name change

in the near future. A few alternativeshave been thrown around, but the onethat seems to have the most support isBreast Cancer Association of WA. Stepsare in place for the change.

Our wonderful dragon boat rowers, theCockburn Amazons Dragons Abreast,took part in the ‘Bridge to Bridge’ eventon Sunday 28 October – a 12km paddlefrom Perth to Fremantle in our brightpink boat. The rowers were amazing.

The team is always happy to welcomenew enthusiastic paddlers.Contact: Carol Bishop (08) 9489 7312or carol@cancerwa.asn.au or YvetteLibregts ???

Victoria is on the verge oflaunching a Dragons Abreast

team under the enthusiastic managementof Pamela Williams, a new BCNAmember from the Bayside Group. Anywomen interested in joining this dragonboat team may contact Pamela on(03) 9592 6352 or 0417 147 822.

Dragon boat racing is a great way toexercise, have fun and promote breastcancer awareness all at once. It is anactivity that attracts the public’sattention and has been a reallywonderful experience for the womeninvolved from other parts of Australia.

The Warrior Women exhibition hasbegun touring Victoria. For details, seeUpcoming Events on page 16.

October 22 (Australia’s Breast CancerDay) provided opportunities forawareness of breast cancer issues. Therewere a number of mini Fields Of Womenin Victoria, which attracted a good dealof attention. This was a great opportu-nity for the Network to recruit morewomen.

We wish you all the best for a wonder-ful festive season and good health intothe new year.

Contact: Gerda Evans (03) 9805 2500 orgerda@bigpond.net.au

The Australian Field of Womenwas a spectacular sight in

Adelaide’s Victoria Square.The steering committee for Strengthen-

ing Support for Women in Rural andRemote SA had meetings in Septemberand November, while a National BreastCancer Centre (NBCC) workshop washeld in Adelaide on November 5.

I was one of a panel interviewed for theDoorways Project - Analysis of the Provisionof Breast Cancer Services at RAH, anotherNBCC study.

The Action for Breast Cancer SAAGM was held on October 3. DrDeborah Rathjen from Bionomics gave apresentation about genetic research andthe company’s focus on developinggenetic indicators for the early diagnosisof disease types, to facilitate moreaccurate treatment regimes.

Margaret Ryan talked about her newposition at ACF, one which is evolvingas she settles in. Action for BreastCancer SA hopes for a close workingrelationship with Margaret.

Liz Libregts was appointed president;Raelene Walker, vice-president; PamBalfour, secretary; and Raylene Gribble,treasurer.

I attended a cancer expo at the Enfield

Community Centre. Susan Timpaniruns workshops for many groups and abreast cancer session is always included.

Dragons Abreast SA was launched inOctober with a Dragonboat AssociationSA (DASA) social event providingspecial support. Our watermelon andchampagne drink went down well!

The various dragon boat clubs cheeredus on and gave generously to helpestablish our team. One team gave me$101 after the event – “just because wethink you are great”.

The SA Dragons Abreast team ismanaged by Vicki Nottage. Thesecretary is Lyndal Outram, while thetreasurer is Marion Holland.

The Clare Quilters have made abeautiful quilt in memory of Joan Heath,a seven-year member of the group whodied of breast cancer. Elaine Forrest, thequilters’ spokesperson, asked Action forBreast Cancer SA to raffle the quilt andwe raised more than $1000. A specialthank you, Elaine.

Contact; Carlene Butavicius (08) 82722895 or butavic@chariot.net.au

4

Outstandingand hair-razingefforts!

The Network has been absolutelybowled over by the extraordinaryfundraising efforts of everyoneinvolved in head shavings at Spotlightand Bakers Delight.

What started out as a friendly betat the Spotlight store managersconference in Surfers Paradise turnedinto an impromptu fundraising eventfor the Network.

Four were shaved, raising $13,000.Pledges were collected from themanagers and stores during the finalnight of the conference.

The head-shaving craze also caughton at the Bakers Delight conference inSeptember.

On the final evening, a numberof people, including Bakers Delightfounder and Executive Chairman,Roger Gillespie, were without theirhair.

An amazing $37,500 was raised forour Network by franchisees, staff andBakers Delight suppliers.

Thanks to everyone involved –the shavers, shavees and financialbackers.

The spirited support you have shownis so appreciated and will enable theNetwork’s work to reach women rightacross the length and breadth ofAustralia.

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

A friendly bet during the Spotlight store managersconference in Surfers Paradise cost four people theirhair and raised $13,000 for the Network.

Dragons AbreastThe National Australia Bank’s

Community Link Volunteer Awardin the Northern Territory’s HealthCategory has been won by the NT/ACT Dragons Abreast.

The $5000 in prize money will assistour national Dragons Abreast fund.

Congratulations to the dragonboaters and national co-ordinator,Michelle Hanton.

Bakers DelightIn September, Network and Bakers

Delight representatives applauded withgusto when we received one of threeFinalists Awards in the PrimeMinister’s Business and CommunityPartnerships Awards, presented in theGreat Hall of Parliament House,Canberra.

Bakers Delight founder, LesleyGillespie, and the Network’s nationalco-ordinator, Lyn Swinburne, receivedthe award from the Prime Minister,John Howard, who spoke about the

importance of corporate and non-profit organisations working togetherto make a difference.

Patricia EdgarIn October, the Network’s chair,

Dr Patricia Edgar, accepted twosignificant awards within four days.

As director of the AustralianChildren’s Television Foundation,Patricia accepted the prestigious,Image and Science internationalconference’s Youth TV Prize at theEiffel Tower in Paris before UNESCOand the Council of Europe’sInternational Jury.

Four days later, she was back home tobe presented with a Melbourne Awardby The Committee for Melbourne.

Lyn SwinburneNational co-ordinator, Lyn

Swinburne, won the Shell Communityand Government Section of theVictorian Telstra Business Woman ofthe Year Awards. The $4000 prizemoney has been given to the Network.

Congratulations Networkers!

The Prime Minister,John Howard,presented a Businessand CommunityPartnerships Award toLesley Gillespie ofBakers Delight and theNetwork’s national co-ordinator, LynSwinburne, inSeptember.

Shirley O’Connell, a PhD studentat Queensland’s University ofTechnology, is recruiting women forher study of the concerns of youngwomen with breast cancer.

If you were diagnosed with breastcancer between 18-40 years of age,not more than three years ago, youare eligible to volunteer for the study.

Shirley’s research is aiming to helpdevelop appropriate services andprograms for young women withbreast cancer.

If you are interested in taking partor finding out more about Shirley’sstudy, phone her on (07) 3864 5872or e-mail se.connell@student.qut.edu.au

Participants needed for study

5

Since our launch in October 1998,Breast Cancer Network Australia hasgone from strength to strength. Wenow have more than 60 membergroups around Australia.

We need to strengthen the ways wework closely with our member groupsand to communicate what theNetwork is doing – our plans for thefuture and how we can activelyinvolve our members in theseinitiatives on an on-going basis.

Bakers ‘delight’ the Network

On Saturday, October 20,Bakers Delight bakeriesaround Australia supported

the Network’s Field of Womenby donating 50¢ cents to theNetwork from every $2.30 loafthey sold.

As this issue of The Beacon wentto print, the Network had receivedmore than $53,000!

The promotion has been a fantasticopportunity to spread the word aboutthe Network.

Many more people around Australiawill now be aware of our pink ladiesand their significance.

Some of the bakeries went all-outto promote the event, with pink hair,streamers, balloons, sausage sizzles,face painting, and even more headand leg shaving!

We have had many phone calls fromsupporters telling us they now have

freezers full of bread!We would like to thank you for

supporting Bakers Delight who do somuch to help our Network.

We would like to thank you all, asevery cent raised helps the Networkto continue its work in seeking toimprove the treatment and care ofthose diagnosed with breast cancer,and work towards preventing thisdisease for the benefit of the wholecommunity.

Thanks to the franchisees, bakers,staff and all involved, especially KathSnell whose tireless commitment madethe day run so smoothly.

Next time you visit your local BakersDelight, please let them know howgrateful we are!

Fundraisingby BakersDelight storesaroundAustralia onOctober 20 hasraised morethan $53,000for theNetwork.Here,MelbourneBakers Delightstaffers spreadthe word aboutthe Network.

We have decided to do this at aNetwork Summit, to be held inMelbourne on February 22 and 23,2002.

The Network has invited ourmember groups to nominate a delegateto attend, and we will cover eachdelegate’s travel and accommodationcosts.

It should be a marvellous opportunityfor women to learn about our progressand plans for the future.

We are hoping that women willreport back to their member groupsand consider ways to get activelyinvolved in Network projects andcommunity initiatives on behalf ofwomen with breast cancer and theirfamilies.

We are excited about the prospectof getting together with key Networkwomen from all parts of Australia toshare our plans for the Network – theenergy will be amazing!

Summit to gather members from across Australia

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

Since the last issue of The Beacon,these women have been appointed toworking groups and committees, orparticipated in forums:• Maryanne Maher (NSW) and

Mary Macheras-Magias (Vic) –National Breast CancerCentre’s Young Women’s AdvisoryGroup.

• Pam Williams (Vic) and JennyMorrison (Qld) – National BreastCancer Centre’s Psycho-socialclinical practice guidelines(Summary cards for healthprofessionals project team).

• Veronica Macaulay-Cross (Qld)and Jayne Poynts (Qld) –Queensland Health’s OncologyScenario Planning Workshop.

• Lyn Swinburne (Vic) – NationalBreast Cancer Foundation’sResearch Priorities SteeringCommittee.

• Carlene Butavicius (SA) –South Australia’s StrengtheningSupport for Women with BreastCancer Project’s nationalworkshop.

• Diane Shore (Qld) – QueenslandWomen’s Cancer ScreeningServices Consumer ReferenceGroup.

To learn more about A Seat atthe Table, phone Gil Paulsen on(03) 9805 2500 or e-mailgpaulsen@bcna.org.au

Filling our latestSeats at the Table

6

Victoria Square, in the heartof Adelaide, was transformedinto a Field of Women

between Saturday October 20 andMonday, October 22 – Australia’sBreast Cancer Day.

Thousands saw the display as theypassed in their cars. Others came to seethe silhouettes up close and to readtheir messages of encouragement, hopeand remembrance.

Students and teachers from WalfordGirls School, St. Peters Girls School,Genunga International High School,Annesley College Boarding House,Seymour College, Wilderness Collegeand Gilles Street Primary School,along with some Venturers arrivedearly on the Saturday to help plant thesilhouettes.

Anyone with teenagers willappreciate how precious ‘sleep-ins’ are,and yet these lovely girls were keen toplay an active role in our event.

The Organising Committee hadworked tirelessly to rope in friends andfamily to help. Husbands put up signs,hooked up the power, lifted and carted.BreastScreen staff, women from theACTION group and BCSS volunteersset up displays and spoke to the public.

Even passers-by joined the plantingteam. One man, Steve, who callsVictoria Square his home, came tocheck us out and became our greatestworker over the next three days!

At one stage, we couldn’t believehow much one person could achieveuntil we realised that Bakers Delightmanager, TraceyLee Carey, hadbrought along her twin sister, Tanya!

Adelaide turned on a magical day forSunday’s formal ceremony. The sunshone and the silhouettes had an evengreater impact against the blue sky.

and the SA Office of the Status ofWomen, pathologist and former LordMayor, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith and theNetwork’s national co-ordinator, LynSwinburne.

Adelaide media identity, LeighMcClusky, spoke about MargaretKelly, who had achieved much in herlife despite her challenges with breastcancer. Margaret’s husband, Graham,led the ceremonial planting.

Breast cancer survivor, VanessaLambert, read her moving poem aboutthe significance of the silhouettes. Wewere then warmed by the beautifulvoices of the girls from PembrokeGirls Choir and the church bells rangout across Adelaide.

Following the official proceedings, wehad a chance to meet women and theirfamilies from Adelaide and across thestate. Several Network members eventravelled from interstate to take part.

It was a great opportunity tocelebrate our lives and to pay tributeto those we have lost.

On Monday, the silhouettes werepacked away and everyone was able toput their feet up at long last.

Outstanding leadership was shown byCarlene Butavicius and our projectmanager, Cathie Tonkin. We thankthem for their incredible contribution,along with that of the members of theOrganising Committee: Judith Brine(Adelaide City Council), Sheila Evans(BPW SA), May Jackson, HelenWiltshire, Vanessa Lambert,Meredith Russell, Judith Stewart,Karen Shepherd (BreastScreen) andTraceyLee Carey (Bakers Delight).

The Network recognises the workand dedication of all those who madeAdelaide’s Field of Women such asuccessful and memorable event.

Thank youA huge thank-you to our 2001 Field of Women

major sponsor, New Idea. We appreciate thesupport it gives us and a range of breast cancerinitiatives.

The Field of Women blooms in Adelaide

The Network is looking for peoplein NSW to join the organisingcommittee for next year’s Field ofWomen in Sydney during October.

We need people with ideas, com-mitment and time. Of course, few ofus have hours of spare time to devote,but it’s often the busy people who aremost ready to find time for such aworthwhile cause.

We will be appointing a projectmanager in Sydney to co-ordinateand implement the event, but she/hewill need a team of all sorts of peopleto help make this happen.

Being on the organising committeemay not be your thing, but you mightbe able to help in other ways.

To be a part of the Sydney Field ofWomen, phone 1800 500 258 andregister your interest.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chanceto be involved!

Be part of the 2002Field of Women

We were greeted at the start of ourSilent Walk by two policewomen onhorses decorated with pink and whiteribbons who escorted participantsacross the road.

Our MC was Carlene Butavicius,BCNA’s SA state representative.

Newly appointed Governor, MarjorieJackson-Nelson, officially launchedthe Field of Women. She spoke of howher good friend, Raelene Boyle, hadasked her to perform this task in herplace, as Raelene was still recoveringfrom recent surgery.

The speakers included DianaLaidlaw, the Minister for Transport,

7

SA’s newGovenor,MarjorieJackson-Nelson,launched theField ofWoman andpaid tribute toher friend,fellow athleteand breastcancersurvivor,Raelene Boyle.

Victoria Square, in theheart of Adelaide, wasthe site of the 2001Field of Womenbetween Saturday,October 20, andMonday, October 22 –Australia’s BreastCancer Day.

Left: Police womenmounted on horsesdecorated with pinkand white ribbons,accompanied the SilentWalk.

8

Right: Cooma, NSWThe Cooma-Monaro Shire Council was

supportive, posters were displayed in localshops, Cooma Hospital, Community Health

Centre and GP surgeries. Local radio stationsran community announcements and Jane

Redmond did several live interviews. Localnewspapers were also supportive as was local

photography studio SCHOO’s. Hospitalmaintenance staff gave their time, and many

breast cancer survivors, partners and childrenof women who did not survive planted the

silhouettes, sold badges, drew pink silhouetteson the footpath. It was a successful day

involving the whole community.

Left: Ringwood, VictoriaParticipants held a SilentWalk around Ringwood Lakefollowed by an openingceremony including songsperformed by the hospital’schoir. Afternoon tea wasprovided by the hospital andthe North Ringwood BakersDelight. The silhouettes wereplanted in the shape of a star,to represent the group’s theme‘Lighting the Way’ for womenin the future. The silhouetteswere later moved into thehospital’s garden.

Right: Taree, NSWThe Taree Mini-Field was held in

Fotheringham Park. It was co-ordinated byLyn Mills and officially opened by the Mayor,

Councillor Mick Tuck. The captain of thelocal high school, Samantha Fisher, made a

moving speech dedicated to her grandmother,a breast cancer survivor. The day was wellsupported by the community, with the local

breast cancer support groups handing outinformation, the Taree RSL band playing, a

motor bike display and many businessesoffering goods and services.

Snapshots from mini fields around Australia

Left: Canberra, ACTThis year’s mini Field of Women was combinedwith a dragon boat regatta; an effective way of

involving a sporting body, while maintaining thesolemnity and significance of the Silent Walk.

Chris Emery, husband of our esteemed past member,Jean, presented the trophy to the winning crew.

Senators Margaret Reid and Kate Lundy, two ofour most faithful supporters, attended, despite

pre-election activities. We thank them bothsincerely for their on-going support and

encouragement of the Network.

9

Below: Bundaberg, QueenslandABC Day saw Bundaberg’s

inaugural Mini-Field of Women.We began with a Silent Walk

through the main street to Buss Parkwhere the field was launched by

Councillor Peters. Dr Denise Powellspoke, as did Bev Cross, who shared

her experiences with BCNA andsupport services for women. The

silhouettes were planted while theQCWA Choir sang. The Field was

blessed and 100 balloons werereleased. Morning tea was served at

the Civic Centre.

Above: Wagga Wagga, NSWThe Wagga mini Field was held in Victory Memorial Gardens. It was organised by the Breast CancerSupport Group and compered by Mary-Helen Martens. Participants first gathered for the Silent Walkon the footpaths surrounding the gardens. A short silhouette planting ceremony was followed byspeeches, readings and a prayer from local ministers. The overall response was great. Quite a fewwomen described the event as “just what we needed”.

Right: Laidley, QueenslandThe Field was planted at

Das Neumann house. During the day,Bob Dutton, executive officer to local

MP, Bill Flynn, presented MajorieCusack and Val Neubling with a

certificate of appreciation for theirwork as volunteers over the past sevenyears. Among those in attendance was

Kerry Zibell, who has learnt of arecurrence of her initial inflammatory

breast cancer. She continues in thefight, attending a local cancer supportgroup, and is planning a trip around

Australia with her husband soon.

Left: Campbelltown, NSWThis mini Field was successfullymanaged by Cindy Gilliam at theUniversity of Western Sydney. Sheheld a ceremony during the day,which was attended by localpoliticians, including Federal MPBronwyn Bishop and many specialguests. The guest speakers were DrStephen Della-Fiorentina andDorothy Kwasniak – a breastcancer survivor. An eveningprogram was also held which beganwith a Silent Walk and aCandlelight ceremony. TheUniversity Choir sang and RobynWicks spoke about The Network.The whole event was wellsupported by the student body at theUniversity and also local Rotarianswho helped raise more than $1000.

10

Thousands join together inBrisbane’s Silent Walk

A huge crowd came to paytribute in their own way byjoining together for the

Network’s Silent Walk leading to theBrisbane Field of Women in September.

The Walk started at ParliamentHouse and moved along Brisbane’sGeorge Street, with policemen onmotorbikes closing the street to allother traffic.

Some people came alone; others withfriends and supporters. Entire familiescame to walk together and spend timereading the messages in the Field.

We were joined by several Brisbaneidentities, including former mayor,Sally-Anne Atkinson, and BonnyBarry, the member for Apsley, repre-senting the Premier, Peter Beattie.

We arrived at the Suncorp MetwayPark to the spectacular sight of the12,500 silhouettes, which had beenplanted in the lawn that morning byteams of volunteers. These includedstudents from Brisbane State HighSchool, Moreton Bay College,Clayfield College, Brisbane GirlsGrammar and Milton State School.

Local personality, Anne-MarieWhite, introduced the speakers,including Raelene Boyle and WayneGoss, who, as head of the GoodwillGames and a cancer survivor, spoke ofthe event’s theme, ‘Celebrating Life’.

Young country singer, Kylie Sackley,then reduced us all to tears with a songshe had written for her mother, whohad been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Again, the Brisbane Field of Womenwas the result of hours of work by anumber of key Network people,especially Leonie Young, JanelleGamble and Cherrell Hirst.

They were able to gain sponsorshipsfrom local companies, includingEnergex, Thiess and Minter Ellison,and support from a range of othercompanies and individuals.

Over the last few weeks ofpreparations, a new team of helpersemerged from the Twelfth NightTheatre.

The staff wanted to be so activelyinvolved because the theatre’s owner,Gail Wiltshire, is a breast cancersurvivor.

One staffer, Lyn Pelgrave, tookresponsibility for the management ofthe Launch Day and another, Lewis,took calls in the preceding fortnightfrom people seeking information andwanting to record silhouette messages.

For three weeks, Twelfth NightTheatre became headquarters for theField of Women.

A crew from Foxtel filmed through-out the day and the resulting programwas shown during October – breastcancer month.

The Field of Women remained inplace for a week. A roster of volunteersand health professionals were in placethroughout this time to giveinformation and support to the public,and to help in recording messages tobe placed on the silhouettes.

Key public messages were circulatedabout the importance of early detec-tion, the need for support for thosetouched by this disease and the needfor the community to keep striving tofind answers to the breast cancerriddles.

Brisbane’sSilent WalkduringSeptembertravelleddown GeorgeStreet to theField ofWomenplanted atSuncorpMetway Park.

Well done, Wendy!Congratulations and thanks to

Wendy McClusky, our Field ofWomen National Co-ordinator.

Wendy did a fantastic joboverseeing the fields in Adelaideand Brisbane, as well as the 50 miniFields around Australia.

11

Thank you to thefriends of the FieldsThese people headed up mini field for2001. The Network would like to thankthem and their committees for theirwork.

QueenslandSholeh Boyle, TownsvilleJudy Wild, BuderimMarianne Zangari, ChirnsideBev Cross and Shirley Harrison,BundabergAstrid Raines, LaidleyImelda O’Loughlin, ToowoombaFelicity Pembroke, CairnsJulie Foreman, SouthportChristine Lindemann, Ipswich

NSWKim Harris, PenrithGay Lee, Goulburn GoulburnLinda Williams, Broken HillJane Redmond, CoomaLyn Mills, TareeCindy Gilliam, CampbelltownHelen Gray, Wagga WaggaAnna Banks, Port Macquarie

ACTAnna Wellings Booth and TaniaPirotta, Canberra

VictoriaSue Heffernan and the Year 9 girls atMethodist Ladies College, KewAnnie Bailey, San RemoMaggie Stowers, RingwoodMaree Scanlan, TraralgonMelissa Billing, BendigoKim Pinniger, AraratJenny Watson, AbbotsfordPhillipa Bourke and Maxine Corfield,HeidelbergMary Funder and Libby Pearce,CamberwellGerda Evans, East MelbourneLauren Costello, Ferntree Gully

TasmaniaNola Polmear and Denise Walshe,Hobart

South AustraliaMerrilyn Harrington, KingstonRhonda Smith and Maxine Barker, PortLincolnJanet Williams, Mount GambierDi Reade, Minalton

West AustraliaMarina Johns, BridgetownCarol Bishop, co-ordinated mini Fieldsat Albany, Booragoon, Bunbury, Carou-sel, Floreat, Geraldton, Innaloo,Joondalup, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Mid-land, Mirrabooka, Morley, Rockingham,Warwick and Whitfords.

The Network sponsored theCelebrating Life seminar at the WesleyHospital as part of our Field of Womenevent in Brisbane.

With 300 people in attendance, thiswas an excellent way of informing andupdating Queenslanders. The speakersranged from Prof. John Forbes, whospoke about clinical trials, to JanPower, who entertained with a wiseand witty presentation about themeaning of success and celebrating life.

Bakers Delight supplied a sumptuousmorning tea and gave each attendee acalico backpack of pamphlets and

Queensland women celebrate life

Herceptin is the first of thenew ‘targeted’ drugs, socalled because it attacks only

the overexpressing tumour cells.Chemotherapy, while a useful tool for

fighting cancer, cannot differentiatebetween cancerous and normal cells –all cells are affected.

Herceptin works best on womenwhose breast tumours overexpress aprotein, called Her2. Generally, themore this is overexpressed, the moreeffective the drug.

As of December 1, Herceptin will beavailable free of charge to women withmetastatic breast cancer (where thecancer has travelled to more distantparts of the body), whose tumoursoverexpress Her2 – about 20-25% ofwomen with metastatic disease.

Oncologists will be able to have theirpatients’ tumours tested by patholo-gists to identify those for whom thistherapy might be effective.

Herceptin is not a cure, but a 45%improvement in overall survival has

Herceptin – the facts

Issues ofConcern ...

been recorded among women whosetumours strongly overexpress Her2,(New England Journal of Medicine,March 2000).

As Herceptin is a targeted drug, it hasrelatively few side effects, which meansan improved quality of life for womentaking the drug. That is important forall women, but even more so forwomen with young families, as meansthey can continue to be active withintheir families.

Women who have been takingHerceptin have told us that, aftermonths of feeling weak and ill onchemotherapy, they have been able toresume a normal life – go back touniversity, help with reading at theirchildren’s school, join the kindergartenhelpers roster.

The Network’s web site –www.bcna.org.au – has more informa-tion about Herceptin, but if you haveadvanced breast cancer, we suggestdiscussing the suitablity of the drug foryou with your oncologist.

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

information about breast cancerresources.

Leonie Young did a great job as theseminar’s MC.

As always, the women with breastcancer were the stars. Edith Cooperspoke about cycling around Australiaearlier this year with the Fenceliners,while Ellie Willson talked about beingdiagnosed with breast cancer whilepregnant with her first child.

All the while, Ellie’s husband andtheir son, Nathaniel, now a healthytoddler, were sitting in the front row.Her’s was a wonderful, candid story.

12

My Journey

Monday, December 2, 1996,is a day that will remainforever in my memory.

While taking a bath, I discovered alump in my right breast.

My feelings at that time were nodoubt the same as those felt bycountless women before me – disbeliefand a gut-wrenching fear.

After various tests, breast cancerwas diagnosed and I had the lumpremoved, along with glands from undermy arm. Then followed several weeksof radiotherapy and I began therecovery process.

I would have to say that theemotional recovery was the mostdifficult and, believe me, I ran throughthe whole range.

Initially, I was convinced I was goingto die, totally ignoring the fact that myprognosis was good.

All around me, people were tellingme to be positive, but I wasn’t rational.I felt like yelling ‘You be positive’. Irealised later I was angry. I didn’t wantto have breast cancer and at that stageI didn’t want to be bloody positive!

My writer’s imagination refused to bequelled and I devised my own methodof being positive.

I told no one about it, in fact evennow I feel uncomfortable that peoplewill think I am a ‘nut case’, although ifcancer taught me anything it was notto worry about what people think.

I pictured this little man in my bodywearing rubber boots, a raincoat andhat. He carried a backpack vacuumcleaner and every time a cancer cellreared its head he stomped on it andvacuumed it up and blew the deadcells out of my ear.

Despite my efforts to be positive, Ilapsed into depression and howled allover my doctor, who told me it would

be amazing if I weren’t depressed.She cited all the physical reasons why

I would be depressed, such as havinghad surgery, being taken off hormonereplacement therapy, weeks ofradiation treatment and finally comingto terms with the side effects ofTamoxifen.

I felt better when it was all out in theopen and agreed to take some anti-depressants until I returned to normal -whatever that was going to be.

A return to physical exercise made ahuge difference and I played tennisand went line dancing.

Making the most of a new beginning

June’s diagnosis of breast cancer leftme totally gobsmacked. It wasunexpected and I wasn’t sure how tocope or the best way to support her.

I waited in a room a long way fromthe diagnostic area and as timepassed my stomach and my thoughtschurned.

Hours passed before I received anyfeedback and although the doctorwho sought me out was kindnessitself, her presence filled me withdread.

June was shell-shocked and had

asked for me to be present as a plan ofaction was outlined.

The following days, as June awaitedsurgery and test results, will be foreverengraved in my memory. I was thank-ful for the support and love of mywonderful children.

The weeks that followed were anemotional minefield for me.

I had no idea what to say or how tobehave, but I knew that being there forJune at this time was the mostimportant thing.

We did what we have always done.

A husband’s thoughtsWe spent time together, talkedtogether and loved each other. I triedto encourage her to look ahead andbe positive. I would have doneanything to take away her pain,especially her depression.

At one stage, I got a bit heavyhanded and ordered her to write. Iknew this was her solace and evenshe had no real idea why she hadgiven it up.

She wrote and got her bookspublished and I am so proud of her.

– Ian Monks

June Ann andIan Monks withtwo of theirseven grandchil-dren; twinsTristan andHannah.

13

Dragon boating news

Dragons Abreast is thrilled toreport that South Australianow boasts a crew of pink

ladies and has received an $800grant from Sport and Recreation, plusgenerous funding of $2500 from theMinister for the Status of Womenand $600 from various dragon boatclubs.

The 8th Australian Masters Gamesin Newcastle during October was afirst for us – two boat loads of pinkladies.

What a powerful statement! No onecould miss those hot pink lycra rashies,the fabulous wigs & boas!

The Southbank Corporation hasdonated two dragon boats to ourBrisbane group.

Darwin is in the process of building apink boat. This has been made possibleby a generous donation from MadelineLuck.

Western Australia hasmanaged to have a boatpainted pink.Appropriately, she’s calledthe Amazon Lady!

Pamela Williams and anenthusiastic group ofwomen are establishing adragon boat team inMelbourne.

If you’d like to knowmore about what’s in-volved or are looking foradventure and fun in your

life, phone Pamela on (03) 9592 6352or 0417 147 822.

The national raffle was an outstand-ing success, raising more than $8500.First prize went to a Territorian, whilethe second and third prizes went toNSW.

Plans for 2002 include entering theChinese New Year Races at Darling

Harbour, the MoombaFestival in Melbourne andthe Australian NationalTitles on the Gold Coast.

Remember, new paddlersare always wanted!

For more informationabout what’s happening inyour area contact yourstate representatives orMichelle Hanton on(08) 8941 8923 or e-mailhanton@ozemail.com.au

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

An increasing number of books fullof information and the personalexperiences of women with breastcancer are becoming available.

everycloud.com, run by breastcancer survivor, Leonie Young, dealsin new and used health and lifestylebooks and other resources.

A comprehensive catalogue ofbreast cancer titles is available on-line or by mail order. Leonie can alsosource titles on any subject and have

them delivered to your door.everycloud bazaar is an on-line used

bookshop for those wishing to sellbooks they’ve already read.

To receive a mail order catalogue, anewsletter with updates about newreleases or more information, contactLeonie at everycloud.com, PO Box426, Sunnybank, Queensland 4109,phone (07) 3341 7570 or 0414 417570, e-mail leonie@everycloud.comor Internet www.everycloud.com

everycloud.com

The number of people I line dancewith who came out of the woodworkto tell me of their own experienceswith breast cancer amazed me. Thesepeople were getting on with their livesand had put their cancer behind them.I decided it was time I did the same.

For some years, I had been interestedin writing and had managed to get afew short stories published, but beforemy breast cancer I had begun writingromantic fiction novels.

After the operation I shoved thisambition in the ‘too hard basket’ untilmy husband thrust me in front of thecomputer and said, ‘Write. I don’t careif it’s garbage. Just write!’

I’m not sure why I was reluctant toresume my writing. I think it was alltied up with feeling that the most Icould expect from life was a bit moreof living and that I shouldn’t expect tobecome a published author. I decided apublisher would not want to riskmoney on someone who had hadbreast cancer.

The fact that I was older than a lot ofromantic fiction writers always both-ered me too, but now I think ‘Buggerthem. They can either like my work orlump it!’

I wrote several books and in 1998 Ihad two accepted by New ConceptsPublishing for its electronic line. Sincethen, I have had five more accepted,three of which are in paperback. I can’ttell you what a joy it is to finallyachieve status as a published author.

Cancer has become a measuring stickfor all my other problems. Most thingsseem minor when compared withlistening to that diagnosis and can beput in their proper place in life. WhenI see people fussing about silly things Ifeel like taking them aside and tellingthem to get a life.

So much has happened to me since Ihad breast cancer, not the least ofwhich is becoming the grandmother ofseven (including twins).

Rather than breast cancer being anend to the life that I knew, it became anew beginning. I can honestly say thatI look forward to every day and theabsolute joy I find in living.

– June Ann Monks, Queensland

Two Dragons Abreast teams competed in the 8thAustralian Masters Games in Newcastle.

14

Moving forward is exactlywhat Sunday 21 October2001 at Novotel Sydney on

Darling Harbour was all about …moving forward into a better tomorrowfor the 205 young women, partnersand health professionals who attendedthe Young Women and Breast CancerMOVING FORWARD Forum and forall those young women who willinevitably follow.

The day was a recognition that weyoung women:• can get breast cancer, that we exist,• with breast cancer do have special

needs which we want acknowledgedand addressed, and

• with breast cancer can moveforward and live enriched lives.

This truly inspirational day wasopened by myself and Dr AndrewPenman, CEO The Cancer CouncilNSW, our key partner. Model, SarahO’Hare, then set the scene with style.

Some of Australia’s experts, Dr RosieKing, Prof. Stewart Dunn, Dr FranBoyle, Dr Rod Baber and Petrea King,shared their wisdom, helping us inpractical ways to move forward.

Comedian, Gretel Killeen’s ‘hubub’was an hilarious end to an amazing day.

Everything was kept on track by ourbrilliant MC, Cyndi Kaplan, a BreastCancer Action Group NSW memberand breast cancer survivor.

The day’s program was specificallydeveloped to look at, and to talk

Moving forward for youngwomen with breast cancer

about, the issues and needs of youngwomen affected by breast cancer.

Equally important, participants had achance to meet other young womenand partners going through similarexperiences.

Moving Forward was the initiative ofYoung Breast Cancer Action GroupNSW. We are all young volunteers atdifferent stages of our breast cancerjourney and share a passion to bringabout change to help all young womenwith breast cancer.

My inspirational Young BCAG teammates, Elli Faktor, Kirsty Simmonds,Sarah Crompton, Anita Phillips andSandra Tanner, made the forum areality, under the guiding hand of SallyCrossing of BCAG NSW. Thank you!

Thanks also to our partners, particu-larly The Cancer Council NSW. Pfizer,Novotel, Avant Card and BreastCancer Network Australia also deservea special mention – their sponsorshipenabled our day to be a free event.

The special needs of young womenwith breast cancer are many and varied– the young women reiterated thatthroughout the day. Fertility, children,relationship and coping issues are justsome of the issues raised.

Many more will be highlighted by thequestionnaire responses that we willsoon share.

We at Young BCAG will championthese issues with the key stakeholdersin the breast cancer world, now with alouder voice and many more members.

Some inroads have been made tohelp young women. To celebrate oursuccesses, we have established anannual award for outstandingcontribution to young women withbreast cancer. The inaugural YoungBCAG Award was presented to thedeserving Prof. Michael Friedlanderand Belinda Thewes for creatingsupport programs specifically for youngwomen.

But there is so much more that canand should be done for us. If thevarious cancer organisations,researchers, governments and weyoung women really work together, wecan achieve so much more.

Clearly, our young issues know nogeographic boundaries and MovingForward convincing showed that sucha forum is needed and wanted byyoung women.

Which cancer organisation willorganise the inaugural national orperhaps various state-based youngwomen and breast cancer forums in2002? This would truly allow us tomove forward in leaps and bounds!

– Rosanna Martinello,convenor, Young Breast Cancer

Action Group NSW

Editor’s note: The Network is keen todevelop this concept, which began last yearwith the Young Women’s AwarenessForum in Melbourne. We are consideringways to make this into a national programin the future.

Guest speaker,Sarah O’Hare(third from theleft), with theMoving Forwardorganisingcommittee: AnitaPhillips, ElliFakter, RosannaMartinello, SarahCrompton, KirstySimmonds andSandra Tanner.

• Norwich Union’s Guiding StarCommittee for its $5000 donation.These funds will help host theNational Summit next February.

• Debbi Robey and Pip Cowan, setthemselves the challenge of walkingVictoria’s Great Ocean Road fromAnglesea to Apollo Bay. Theyachieved their goal, raised $376.90for the Network and spread themessage about the need for breastcancer awareness in our community.

• Naughton Transport for transportingour Field of Women silhouettes.

• Wilson Storage for assisting us withthe Field of Women stocktake.

BCNA thanks you

15

Letters to the editorYour article, New Risk Management

Clinic in Melbourne, on the back pageof the latest issue of The Beaconprompted me to write to you with mystory.

My mother, who was diagnosed withbreast cancer at age 49, died at 52. Heronly sister was diagnosed with ovariancancer at age 49 and died severalweeks later.

For myself, I had breast cancer at 66.I have always felt that there must bean hereditary factor somewhere in ourfamily, so when my oncologist referredme to the Familial Cancer Centre ofPeter MacCallum Institute,Melbourne, I knew that he must havefelt the same. I am so glad that he did.

The women who counselled me werecaring and helpful – I cannot speakhighly enough of them. The blood testresults took some months, as it is atime-consuming and exacting task. Iwas found to have a mutation in theBRCA2 gene.

I am one of a family of six children,all of whom are living. Genetic testingwas offered to my five siblings, all ofwhom accepted. My young sister wasthe only one of the five who was foundto carry the same fault.

My husband and I have two sons –they both carry the BRCA2 gene fault.They each have a son and a daughter,my grandchildren.

To date, one grandson tested negativeand a granddaughter has testedpositive. My other granddaughter hasindicated that she is thinking seriouslyabout the test.

The granddaughter who has testedpositive will attend the new riskmanagement clinic and be monitoredsix-monthly (I guess for the rest of herlife). Fortunately, she is a strong youngwoman and I am proud of the way sheis handling it.

It has taken two years to get to thispoint and it has been a learningexperience for the whole family. It issomething that I could have donewithout, but I am reassured knowing

On the move?After mailing each issue of

The Beacon, a number ofnewsletters are returned to us, aspeople have moved. So don’t forgetto let us know if you are planning toor have moved. Phone theNetwork’s new toll free number,1800 500 258.

I’m a six-year survivor of breastcancer, having been diagnosed justafter my 40th birthday.

The Spring issue of The Beacon is myfirst, and I think it’s full of helpful andpositive information and articles, andthe producers of this newsletter shouldbe proud of their results.

I liked Kathy Kuipers’ page, andwould like to add a couple of items to

that my granddaughter will be watchedcarefully.

I have been told that I have a fairlyhigh risk of breast cancer returning,but I have an excellent GP, specialistand oncologist who watch me regu-larly. Also, I try to keep positive andlearn all I can.

The cancer support group I belong tohas been a great help and inspiration. Ihave made some wonderful friends, allwith a story to tell.

– Noreen Nye,Bridgewater on Loddon, Victoria

her article, Helping a friend with the‘Big C’.

A wonderful friend gave me a feetmassage. The day after my surgery, shecame to the hospital with somearomatic oils and massaged my feet,and it felt ooooh so good and relaxing.

Also, to help myself when recoveringfrom surgery and trying to cope withchemotherapy and radiotherapy, I’d goto the bedroom, put the TV on at alow volume so that I couldn’t hear thephone, and let the answering machinetake messages whenever I wanted tosleep or rest without disturbances.

My family knew that if I was preparedto accept phone calls or visitors I’d belying on the lounge. If I was in thebedroom it was because I wanted peaceand quiet. They respected that won-derfully.

A friend would put a note on herfront door telling callers when she wasresting, but would appreciate their visita bit later, preferably with a phone callfirst.

These things might appear to berude, but I know of other people doingthe same if they were tired after a tinybaby had kept them up for half thenight, recovering from any type ofsurgery or were shiftworkers. It’s allabout looking after our health andcoping with the day-to-day.

Again, thank you for a greatnewsletter.

– Marie Mueller, South Australia

Noreen Nye andher husband, Don.

16

YOU’RE NOT YET ON OUR MAILING LIST?Contact: Gil Paulsen, phone 1800 500 258, fax (03) 9805 2599,

e-mail beacon@bcna.org.au or fill in this coupon and send it to:

Breast Cancer Network Australia, PO Box 4082, Auburn South, Vic 3122

Name: ...........................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................

.................................................... State: ..................... Postcode: .................

Phone: ( ) ........................................... E-mail: .........................................

Have you had a diagnosis of breast cancer? ❑ Yes ❑ No

UPCOMING EVENTSDecember 1-13: Warrior Women Exhibition, Convent Gallery, Daylesford,Victoria.Contact: phone (03) 8430 8419.

December 9: BCAG NSW annual general meeting, 2.30pm, YWCA, 5-11Wentworth Avenue, Sydney.Contact: Sally Crossing, (02) 9436 1755.

2002February 21: BCNA’s Annual State Representatives’ Think Tank.

February 21-22: Fourth National Breast Care Nurses Conference, Adelaide, SA.Contact: Silvana DiMaria, (08) 8222 4618 or e-mail sdimaria@mail.rah.sa.gov.au

February 22-23: Breast Cancer Network Australia’s National Summit, Melbourne.March 8: ‘Bust Out’ International Women’s Day Gathering, Luna Park, Melbourne.Contact: Deb Casey (03) 9531 1954 or www.bustout2002.com

March 15 or 16 (to be confirmed): ‘BreastCare and Your Care – ImprovingOutcomes for Victorian Women’, a free seminar.Contact: BCNA (03) 9805 2500.

June 30 – July 5: 18th UICC International Cancer Congress, Oslo, Norway.Contact: cancer@oslo2002.org

July 5-6: Fifth Australasian Conference on Familial and Genetic Aspects of Cancer,Barossa Valley, SA.

THE BEACON

The Beacon is the newsletter ofBreast Cancer Network Australia.Editor: Lyn Swinburne (03) 9805 2500Layout: SubstitutionYour comments and items for the nextnewsletter are welcome. Send them toPO Box 4082, Auburn South,Victoria 3122.

The Network welcomes these groupsunder its umbrella:

• Bayside Breast Cancer SupportGroup, Victoria; and

• Seaside Support Group, Victoria.During the next few months we will

be contacting all our member groups.We hope that each of them will beable to identify a woman from theirgroup willing to be their Networkcontact person. This should makecontact between us all much easier,and allow us to involve you all muchmore in our projects and activities.

SeekingShelter

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

New on the web site• Glenys Ruff from Gippsland had a

great time at the Breast Friendsweekend retreat and workshop inBendigo during October.

• Report from the Illawarra BreastCancer Support Group’s New Ideamorning tea and fashion parade,which was hosted by the hilariousColette Mann.

• Why would anyone want to crawlover rocks and risk being swept outto sea? Debbi Robey and PipCowan did just that, and all in thename of breast cancer. Read theirstory and enjoy the photos.

• Reports from our state andconsumer representatives.

• Lisa Page’s experience with theEncore exercise program.

• Dragons Abreast newsletter.

The Beacon is printedwith the generous

support of PMP Print.Beautiful women

Age 3: She looks at herself and sees aqueen.

Age 8: She looks at herself and seesCinderella.

Age 15: She looks at herself and seesan ugly sister (Mum, I can’t go toschool looking like this!).

Age 20: She looks at herself and sees‘too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, toostraight/too curly’ - but decides she’sgoing out anyway.

Age 30: She looks at herself and sees‘too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, toostraight/too curly’ - but decides shedoesn’t have time to fix it, so she’sgoing out anyway.

Age 40: She looks at herself and sees

‘too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, toostraight/too curly’ - but says, ‘At least,I’m clean’ and goes out anyway.

Age 50: She looks at herself and sees‘I am’ and goes wherever she wants to .

Age 60: She looks and then remindsherself of all the people who can’t evensee themselves in the mirror anymore,goes out and conquers the world.

Age 70: She looks at herself and seeswisdom, laughter and ability, goes outand enjoys life.

Age 80: Doesn’t bother to look, justputs on a purple hat and goes out tohave fun with the world.

Maybe we should all grab that purple hatearlier!